The deteriorating condition of the R33 between Dundee and Vryheid has prompted renewed calls for urgent intervention, with motorists now reportedly paying local residents to fill dangerous ruts and encountering wooden stakes placed in craters along the road.

Democratic Alliance KwaZulu-Natal transport spokesperson Riona Gokool said the reality experienced by road users differs sharply from official reports provided by the Department of Transport.

Motorists face growing safety risks

A Dundee motorist narrowly avoided losing control of his vehicle while travelling from Vryheid last Wednesday evening after taking evasive action to avoid wooden poles placed in the roadway near Cotswold.

“The condition of this road has deteriorated to a life-threatening level. What were once potholes have now become deep ditches across substantial portions of the route,” said Gokool.

She added that motorists are frequently forced to drive on the wrong side of the road to avoid severely damaged sections, increasing the risk of head-on collisions.

While acknowledging the department’s statement that pothole repairs and blacktop patching have been under way since November last year, Gokool said many road users continue to report little visible improvement along extensive sections of the route.

“In many instances, temporary repairs appear to worsen conditions rather than improve them,” she said.

Concerns raised over repair methods

Gokool also questioned the repair methods allegedly being used, claiming that some potholes are opened and then left exposed for several days before being filled.

“During this period, heavy vehicles continue driving over the cleared areas, damaging the surrounding edges and accelerating further deterioration,” she said.

She said road users believe repair teams should complete work sequentially by clearing, filling, compacting and sealing each pothole before moving on to the next.

Gokool further questioned the practicality of a planned crack-sealing project later this year, arguing that available funding would be better directed towards urgent rehabilitation and resurfacing work.

“This road is a critical economic and commuter link between Dundee and Vryheid. Vehicles are being damaged regularly and, tragically, lives have already been lost because of the dangerous conditions,” she said.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has previously stated that extensive rehabilitation work on the route is expected to begin in October. Until then, motorists appear set to continue navigating the hazardous conditions with caution.

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